Boehner Backs Pence

House Republican Leader John Boehner is throwing his support behind Rep. Mike Pence to be the next Republican Conference chair.

“Mike Pence is a gifted communicator and a principled conservative who played a key role in helping House Republicans win the energy issue this year – an effort I believe must serve as a model for our Conference as we build a majority coalition issue by issue,” Boehner said.

“I’ve encouraged Mike to run for the job of Conference Chairman because there is no one in our ranks who does a better job of articulating the GOP message of freedom and smaller government, and he’s also proven himself to be a team player with the ability to bring our members together. We need him at the leadership table in the 111th Congress.”